[NSRCA-discussion] Sportsmanship

[Atwood, Mark]

People can say what they want about the pattern crowd, but I've never experienced anything other than a great group of people welcoming me 20 years ago, and continuing to show great sportsmanship and support.   That was exemplified this weekend in St Clairsville by Dave Johnstone our District 4 VP.

I had the misfortune (and stupidity) of crashing my airplane in an early morning practice flight of the FAI F pattern when I got disoriented in the sun low to the ground and was unable to recover prior to WHAM!!    With no back up plane, my contest was over.   Dave Johnstone, the only other guy flying FAI with me this weekend immediately offered to share his Integral for the remainder of the contest.

I realize this happens more than not, that someone offers up an airplane.  But seriously, this is a huge gesture.  ESPECIALLY considering that I had just dumb thumbed mine into the ground.  Add to that we were directly competing against one another.

I think it says a lot about the people we fly with and I certainly felt honored that he trusted me with his airplane.  So Dave, Thank you again.  Your gesture made a really bad day a lot better and allowed me to enjoy the rest of the weekend.  And thanks to everyone that's done something similar.  I'm sure there was some nail biting involved with each flight (especially going through F with a foreign setup!) but it was VERY VERY appreciated.

We "play" in and amongst a great group of people.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise...

-Mark

Mark Atwood
Paragon Consulting, Inc.  |  President
5885 Landerbrook Drive Suite 130, Cleveland Ohio, 44124
Phone: 440.684.3101 x102  |  Fax: 440.684.3102
mark.atwood at paragon-inc.com<mailto:mark.atwood at paragon-inc.com>  |  www.paragon-inc.com<http://www.paragon-inc.com/>

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